These Bollywood actresses have no qualms playing politicians!

By HT

Mumbai, Nov. 19 -- They may not be interested in joining politics in real life, but when it comes to the big screen, these actresses have no qualms playing politicians. In the next year or so, several female stars will be seen in pivotal roles in films that revolve around politics.

Sonam Kapoor will play a politician in an adaptation of author Anuja Chauhan's book, Battle For Bittora, which tells the story of two opposing politicians who fall in love with each other.

Mallika Sherawat will reportedly be seen playing a Rajasthani politician in KC Bokadia's Dirty Politics. Priyanka Chopra, too, will play an item girl-turned politician in Madhur Bhandarkar's Madamji.

The film-maker, who followed a similar route over a decade ago when he cast Raveena Tandon in a politician's role in Satta (2003), hopes to recreate that magic with Priyanka now. "It will be exciting to see her in a rustic role in a political set-up. For the audience too, it will be a new experience," he says.

According to the trade, this casting trend is merely a reflection of the real-life scenario. "Once upon a time, politics was dominated by men. But that has changed. Since films mirror real life, we are seeing women taking centre stage in political films now," says trade analyst Komal Nahta, adding, "Also, Raajneeti (2010) did well with Katrina Kaif, so others are confident that such films can work."

Incidentally, film-maker Prakash Jha also confirmed in an interview that Katrina will reprise her role of a chief minister in the sequel to his 2010 hit. Meanwhile, politics, as a subject continues to gain popularity in Bollywood.

"Thanks to news channels, that world has started to interest the audience much more," says film-maker Sanjay Gupta. His upcoming film, Mumbai Saga, will show the nexus between the underworld and politicians in the '80s-'90s in Mumbai.

Anil Kapoor, who will produce the adaptation starring Sonam, is also upbeat about the film. "The book's content will make for a great film," he says.

But do these films work at the box office? "Why not? Indians are very involved in politics. So, they will certainly enjoy a film with an interesting plot," says exhibitor-distributor Akshaye Rathi.